Lighting retrofits available in Lake County

LAKEPORT -- Lake County Energy Watch has a program for Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) commercial customers in Lake County to help improve energy efficiency and save money.

The Energy Fitness Program offers lighting retrofits at no- or low-cost for customers whose electrical demand is 200 kilowats or less per month.

These retrofits are available to small businesses, nonprofit organizations and special districts, as well as city, state and federal facilities located in Lake County. The retrofits include four- and eight-foot linear fixtures, high bay fixtures, light-emitting diode (LED) refrigeration case lighting, gas station canopy lights, Energy Star compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), LED exit signs, vacancy sensors, vending machine controls and faucet aerators as well as additional LED and other cost-effective measures. Most of these measures are available at no cost ? including energy-efficient lighting upgrades ? with just a few of the options requiring a nominal copay.

In a letter of support for the Energy Fitness Program, fire chief Willie Sapeta wrote, "On behalf of the Lake County Fire Protection District we would like to extend our appreciation for the assistance with enrolling my district into the Energy Fitness / Energy Watch Program. We received new efficient lighting components at each of our facilities, which replaced 25-year old technology lighting. The new lighting provides a crisper, brighter and safer environment to work in. We also look forward to the going-green aspects of the new lighting to do our part in contributing to a greener workplace."

Lake County Energy Watch received assistance from PG&E to pay nonprofit organizations' copay for lighting retrofits available through the program.

Lake County Energy Watch is administered by PG&E using funding from California utility ratepayers under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. Energy Watch partnerships are designed to help local governments and their communities lower their energy bills and enjoy a cleaner environment.

For information about other PG&E programs, visit the Lake County Energy Watch website, www.energy.co.lake.ca.us and select "Energy Efficiency Specialist" or visit www.pge.com. For more information about the Lake County Energy Watch program, visit the website or contact Michalyn DelValle at 263-2221.